Foundation for Greater Opportunities in Learning (FFGOIL) is an educational non-profit organization established in 1999

Our organization is dedicated to fostering systemic change that empowers parents and caregivers through leadership development, wellness coaching, and mentoring. While we serve a broad range of families, we recognize the unique challenges veteran families face and specifically focus attention on these families’ needs in our efforts. By strengthening programs that support vulnerable children and families—veterans included—we aim to create a broader, more sustainable impact. Understanding the vital role empowered caregivers to play in family stability; we emphasize women and parenting and wellness programs that provide the resources and education necessary to prevent situations leading to family separation and trauma. Our inclusive approach ensures that all families, including those of veterans, have the tools they need to thrive.

Recently we collaborated with mental health professionals to develop wellness and parenting programs for single mothers in transitional housing, helping them cultivate resilience and well-being. Additionally, we have been commissioned by Mayor Lori Stone of Murrieta, California, to develop a mentoring program for women at various stages of their careers and life paths. This evidence-based project includes life coaching, internships, apprenticeships, and workshops that help women navigate their personal and professional growth. Furthermore, we serve veteran families by providing information and resources to facilitate their access to college after returning from military service.

An alarming 558,899 children in the United States have been victims of maltreatment, as reported by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS, 2018). Our programs are designed to prevent the unnecessary separation of children and youth from their families by addressing the root causes before intervention becomes necessary. At the core of our prevention strategy are educational needs, including healthy and attached parenting, literacy development, access to wellness and community resources, and individualized support.

Our organization began with a strong focus on children. In the early days, we developed a literacy program for children and adolescents at the Edelman Children’s Court, culminating in a powerful poetry project. Through their writings, the children shared encouragement and self-reflection, helping one another cope with the challenges of dependency court and the feelings of isolation from being separated from their families.

Our work was first established by Dr. Foulk, who opened one of the earliest inclusive childcare centers from her home. This initiative, which brought together children from diverse backgrounds, was recognized by the local school district and featured in the West Covina Tribune. The center emphasized early literacy, social skills, and emotional development, laying a solid foundation for lifelong success. Dr. Foulk’s work supported the children’s growth and mentored parents to strengthen their role in their children’s lives.

Today, we continue this legacy by focusing on prevention and providing relationship-based parenting workshops, wellness education groups, literacy programs, and individualized connections to community resources. These efforts aim to create environments where families can thrive, preventing the need for family separation and ensuring that children grow up in safe, nurturing homes.

Thank you for your interest and involvement in supporting children and families as we work to provide the knowledge, skills, and resources that ensure their stability and success.